CONCORD, N.H. - The archery deer season has been underway in New Hampshire since September 15. The 2014 total deer take as of October 19 of 1,952 represents a decrease of 22% from the 2013 season at the same point. The harvest remains up significantly from 2009 and 2010 when the September archery season was bucks only. Remember that these are estimates based on reported deer registrations by county (not necessarily deer killed in that county) and may not include information from all registration stations. A comparison by county is available at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/deer_hunt_take_October.htm.
"The season is going well," said Fish and Game Deer Biologist Dan Bergeron. "Keep in mind that this is the third highest total in the last nine years, falling below only 2007 and 2013, when the state's second and fourth highest total deer kills occurred, respectively. "Deer numbers throughout the state are holding strong, and I expect harvest numbers to remain high through the remainder of the season. I have been receiving reports of high deer sighting rates from hunters around the state and anticipate that this will be another good year of deer hunting in New Hampshire."
This year's Youth Hunting Weekend, scheduled for October 25 and 26, provides young hunters 15 years old or younger the opportunity to take a deer of either sex while accompanied by an experienced adult hunter. Youth can learn deer hunting techniques and traditions, as well as other outdoor skills that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment. All youths must be accompanied by an adult mentor at least 18 years of age, with a valid NH hunting license.
The popular muzzleloader deer season runs from November 1 - 11, 2014. Opening day for New Hampshire's regular firearms deer season is November 12, a date anticipated with great enthusiasm by the state's 61,000+ hunters. The firearms deer season runs through December 7 in most of the state, except in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) A in northern New Hampshire, where it closes November 30. Check the 2014-15 New Hampshire Hunting & Trapping Digest (available at http://wildnh.com/pubs/hunting.html or from any agent when you buy your license) for WMU-specific regulations.
Hunting licenses can be purchased online at http://www.huntnh.com, from license agents statewide, or at the Fish and Game Department in Concord. The basic N.H. hunting license costs $22 for residents and $103 for nonresidents, plus a $2.50 wildlife habitat fee. Hunters age 15 and younger do not need a license, but do require permits for some species, such as turkey and bear, and must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult at least 18 years of age.
New Hampshire continues to offer the Apprentice Hunting License, which allows people a chance to hunt under the guidance of an experienced hunter age 18 or older without taking a Hunter Education course. This license is a great way to introduce a friend or family member to hunting. Learn more at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/apprentice.html.
Hunters with full freezers are reminded that the New Hampshire Food Bank is seeking donations of whole or processed deer. This venison provides a valuable source of meat for food banks around the state. For more information, call the food bank at 603-669-9725 x240 or visit http://www.nhfoodbank.org. The New Horizons Food Bank in Manchester also accepts game donations to help feed the hungry. To donate game meat to New Horizons, call 603-628-6133, x114.
Find more about deer hunting in New Hampshire at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_deer.htm.
CONTACT:
Dan Bergeron: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
